Buddy Check saved Publix Deli worker's life

JACKSONVILLE, Fla -- She admitted it. Belinda McNair said she'd heard about Buddy Check but was pretty much ignoring it. All that changed one night when she was at work.

McNair is a popular worker in the deli at Publix on 103rd street.

She's the type of person who sings out, "Hello! Can I help you?," and you like her right away.

McNair said one day she picked up a Buddy Check packet and decided to conduct a self exam that night.

"I found a lump," she said. "Of course, I couldn't wait until the next day to call the doctor. I ran myself straight to the Baptist Hospital."

Now, ladies, you don't have to act that quickly. But doctors say if you find a lump that feels different to you, especially if it's hard, you should contact a doctor or a mammography center within two weeks.

Most lumps, 80 percent in fact, are not cancer. But you don't want to take any chances.

And if you can't afford a mammogram, see if you can qualify for a free mammogram. Just call our Buddy Check partner, Baptist Medical Center, at 904-202-PINK.A grant program for Duval County residents is available through July 1 for those who qualify.

McNair's advice to women?

"Do not wait, ladies. Check yourself,"she said.

Her fellow employees circled around her recently for a mini Buddy Check celebration with a giant pink ribbon cake. One employee said McNair is like a second mother to her.

McNair now feels comfortable telling the other ladies they absolutely must check.

McNair's lump turned out to be breast cancer and now she has finished with treatment. She said she's is and feeling great.

If you want a free Buddy Check 12 kit mailed to you or to anyone any where in the world, just call Baptist Medical Center at 904-202-CARE.

If Buddy Check 12 has helped you in any way discover breast cancer, let Jeannie Blaylock know by sending her an email at jblaylock@firstcoastnews.com.